Changes In Diameter Research Articles

A Precise Analysis of the Behavior of Pit Side Tunnels Caused by Deep Excavation

As urbanization gathers pace, projects involving adjacent subway tunnels are increasing, thereby amplifying the need for robust tunnel protection measures. Currently, there exists a notable lack of precise analyses on the three‐dimensional (3D) deformation laws and mechanisms of tunnels affected by adjacent deep excavation. Moreover, the influence patterns of retaining wall stiffness and deep excavation depth on the 3D deformation of pit‐side tunnels remain unclear. The purpose of this research is to bridge the existing disparity by adopting the hypoplastic model, which effectively captures soil stiffness that is dependent on soil state, strain, and stress path, even at small strains, as well as soil strength, based on reported centrifuge model tests. This approach facilitates a comprehensive, precise numerical analysis of the interaction between deep excavation and preexisting tunnels located outside the retaining wall. The analysis sheds light on the deformation mechanisms and trends of pit‐side tunnels not solely confined to the longitudinal axis but extending to the transverse plane as well, while systematically examining the influence of varying excavation depths and retaining wall stiffness on key tunnel parameters, including longitudinal deformation, diameter changes, bending strains, and soil pressure distributions around the tunnels. The study reveals that if the tunnel situated outside the retaining structure lies beneath the foundation pit’s base, deep excavation only slightly deforms the tunnel. However, when the tunnel outside the retaining structure is positioned above the pit’s base, its deformation progressively intensifies with deeper excavation, but the growth rate has a decreasing trend. An enhancement in the stiffness of the retaining wall results in a notable decrease in the deformation exhibited by the adjacent tunnels. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex responses of pit‐side tunnels to excavation activities, ultimately facilitating the design and construction of safer and more resilient urban subway infrastructure.

Development of a piglet model for cerebrovascular autoregulation assessment with altered PaCO2

IntroductionCerebrovascular autoregulation (CA) capacity can be impaired in the aftermath of acute brain injuries. Altered physiological states, such as hypo- and hypercapnia, affect CA. Although these effects have been demonstrated in several animal experiments, the exact effect of PaCO₂ on the plateau of cerebral blood flow (CBF) across the spectrum of arterial blood pressures has not been fully disclosed. Research questionThe aim was to explore pial vasodynamics in response to changing PaCO₂ in a porcine cranial window model, as preparation for an experimental setup in which the CBF plateau position is investigated under different PaCO₂ conditions. Material and methodsFive piglets were brought under anesthesia, intubated, ventilated and instrumented with a cranial window through which pial arteriolar diameters could be microscopically observed. By changing ventilation to either hyper- or hypoventilation we were able to investigate a range of PaCO2 from 25 till 90 mmHg. ResultsAltering the respiratory rate to manipulate PaCO₂ by ventilation appeared to be feasible and reliable. Discussion and conclusionWe found that ETCO₂ reliably represents PaCO₂ in our model. Pial arteriolar diameter changes followed the direction of PaCO₂ changes, but the effect of PaCO₂ on the diameters was not linear. Only in the hypercapnia setting did we observe a clear and consistent vasodilation of the pial arterioles.

Finely tuned water structure and transport in functionalized carbon nanotube membranes during desalination.

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to tune the transport of water molecules in nanostructured membrane in a desalination process. Four armchair-type (7,7), (8,8), (9,9) and (10,10) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with pore diameters around 1 nm were chosen, their interior surfaces were modified with -OH, -CH3 and -F groups. Simulation results show that water transport in nanochannel depends on confined water structures which could be regulated by precisely controlled channel diameter and chemical functionalization. Increasing CNT diameter changes water structures from single-file-like to be square and hexagonal-like, then into a disordered pattern, resulting in a concave-shaped trend of water permeance. The -OH functional groups promote structural ordering of water molecules in (7,7) CNT, but disrupt water structures in (8,8) and (9,9) CNTs, and reduce the order degree of water molecules in (10,10) CNT, moreover, exert an attraction to enhance surface friction inside channel. The -CH3 groups induce more strictly single-file movement of water molecules in (7,7) CNT, turning water structures in (8,8) and (9,9) CNTs into two and triangular column arrangements, improving water transport, however, causing again square-like water structure in (10,10) CNT. Fluorinations of CNT make water structure more disordered in (7,7), (9,9) and (10,10) CNTs, while enhance the square water structure in (8,8) CNT with a lower water permeance. Through changing channel diameter and functionalization, the low tetrahedral order corresponds to a more single-file-like water structure, associated with rapid water diffusion and high permeability; an increase in tetrahedrality results in more ice-like water structures, lower water diffusion coefficients, and permeability. The results of this study demonstrate that water transport could be finely regulated via a functionalized CNT membrane.

Cytomorphometric analysis: A possible adjunct for age estimation

Abstract Background: Age estimation plays a crucial role in identifying an unknown individual in the event of any mass disaster or crime. One of the important noninvasive procedures that may have an impact on determining an individual’s age is exfoliative cytology. Aim and Objective: Exfoliated buccal mucosa cells were used in the study to determine the participant’s age by assessing the changes in nuclear diameter (ND), nuclear–cytoplasmic (N: C) ratio, and cell diameter (CD). Materials and Methods: With the help of a moistened wooden spatula and a light scraping motion, buccal smears were taken from 100 healthy and normal individuals across various age groups. The samples were then preserved with 95% ethanol and stained using ultrafast Papanicolaou stain. Cell and nuclear diameter were measured for each of these cells using the ImageJ software, and N: C was calculated from the two parameters. The N: C was calculated from CD and ND for each subject. One-way ANOVA tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: A significant difference in the diameter of cell and nucleus with the individual’s age (P < 0.05) was noticed. The N: C ratio reduces with increasing age but is not consistent. Conclusion: Buccal smears show age-related alterations that could be utilized as an effective tool for age estimation.

Growth of the right ventricular outflow tract in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: A longitudinal CMR study

BackgroundMany patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot require pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) due to significant pulmonary regurgitation (PR). Transcatheter PVR (TPVR) is an equally effective and less invasive alternative to surgical PVR but many native right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOTs) are too large for TPVR at time of referral. Understanding the rate of growth of the RVOT may help optimize timing of referral. This study aims to examine the longitudinal growth of the native RVOT over time in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). MethodsA retrospective review of serial cardiac MRI cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) data from 121 patients with repaired TOF and a native RVOT (median age at first CMR 14.7 years, average interval between the first and last CMR of 8.1 years) was performed to measure serial changes in RVOT diameter, cross-sectional area, perimeter-derived diameter, and length. ResultsAll parameters of RVOT size continued to grow with increasing age but growth was more rapid in the decade after TOF repair (for minimum systolic diameter, mean increase of 5.7 mm per 10 years up to year 12, subsequently 2.3 mm per 10 years). The RVOT was larger with a transannular patch and in patients without pulmonary stenosis (p < 0.001 for both), but this was not associated with rate of growth. More rapid RVOT enlargement was noted in patients with larger right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), higher PR fraction, and greater rates of increases in RVEDV and PR (p < 0.001 for all) Conclusionsin patients with repaired TOF, using serial CMR data, we found that RVOT size increased progressively at all ages, but the rate was more rapid in the first decade after repair. More rapid RVOT enlargement was noted in patients with a larger RV, more PR, and greater rates of increases in RV size and PR severity. These results may be important in considering timing of referral for transcatheter pulmonary valves, in planning transcatheter and surgical valve replacement, and in designing future valves for the native RVOT.

A Framework for Tool Condition Monitoring of Abrasive Waterjet Systems

The study presents an innovative method for developing a waterjet mixing tube process monitoring system, leveraging aluminium oxide abrasives for accelerated data collection. A novel method of recording data during the jet dwell cycle is proposed, which eliminates abrasive from the data collection step and allows for the mixing tube wear state to be predicted before machining takes place. Airflow sensors were shown to be capable of detecting changes in mixing tube exit diameter. The performance of machine learning models, utilizing airflow data, was compared against simpler models using wear time as a sole parameter. Both approaches were tested in their ability to predict the exit diameter and to classify the state of the tool. Although wear time-based models outperformed machine learning models in this study, their ability to adapt to process changes may be limited. Machine learning models, given a larger dataset, may be required for accurate wear detection. The research lays a promising foundation for developing a robust mixing tube monitoring system. Future work should focus on collecting more data, investigating the effect of mixing chamber and orifice wear on the airflow signal, and evaluating model performance trained with accelerated wear data, on tubes worn in a regular wear trial.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication with or without hiatal hernia repair for gastroesophageal reflux disease after peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Background and study aims Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) occurs in 40% to 60% of patients. There are limited data evaluating antireflux surgery or transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for refractory post-POEM GERD. Patients and methods In a single-center prospective cohort study, consecutive patients with medically refractory post-POEM regurgitation and/or GERD treated with TIF or combined laparoscopic hernia repair and TIF (cTIF) were evaluated. Baseline evaluation: GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HQRL) and Reflux Symptom Questionnaire 7-day recall (RESQ-7) questionnaires, EGD, high-resolution manometry (HRM), 48-hour pH test off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and impedance planimetry of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to calculate the diameter distensibility index (EGJ-DI). A PPI was taken twice daily for 2 weeks after TIF and restarted later if required. Patients returned 9 to 12 months after treatment when all preoperative studies were repeated. Quality of life, pH studies and EGJ metrics before and after antireflux surgery were compared. Results Seventeen patients underwent TIF (n=2, 12%) or cTIF (n=15, 88%) a mean 25±15 months after POEM. At follow-up a mean of 9±1 months after TIF/cTIF, patients required less frequent daily PPIs (n=0.001), were more satisfied (P=0.008), had improved GERD-HQRL (P=0.001), less intensity and frequency of GERD (P=0.001) and fewer reflux episodes (P=0.04) by pH testing. There was no change in EGJ-DI, EGJ diameter, integrated relaxation pressure, % total time pH <4, or DeMeester score. Conclusions TIF and cTIF for difficult-to-control post-POEM GERD appear safe, decrease PPI use and reflux episodes, and improve QOL without significant change in IRP, EGJ compliance, diameter or esophageal acid exposure time.

Unimer suppression enables supersaturated homopolymer swollen micelles with long-term stability after glassy entrapment.

Micelle sizes are critical for a range of applications where the simple ability to adjust and lock in specific stable sizes has remained largely elusive. While micelle swelling agents are well-known, their dynamic re-equilibration in solution implies limited stability. Here, a non-equilibrium processing sequence is studied where supersaturated homopolymer swelling is combined with glassy-core ("persistent") micelles. This path-dependent process was found to sensitively depend on unimer concentration as revealed by DLS, SAXS, and TEM analysis. Here, lower-selectivity solvent combinations led to the formation of unimer-homopolymer aggregates and eventual precipitation, reminiscent of anomalous micellization. In contrast, higher-selectivity solvents enabled supersaturated homopolymer loadings favored by rapid homopolymer insertion. The demonstrated ∼40-130 nm core-size tuning exceeded prior equilibrium demonstrations and subsequent core-vitrification enabled size persistence beyond 6 months. Lastly, the linear change in micelle diameter with homopolymer addition was found to correlate with a plateau in the interfacial area per copolymer chain.

Contralateral approach using microscope and tubular retractor system for ipsilateral decompression of lumbar degenerative lateral recess stenosis associated with narrow spinal canal.

To summarize the clinical effect of a single-center retrospective analysis of the contralateral approach with a microscope and tubular retractor system for ipsilateral decompression in patients with lumbar lateral recess stenosis and a narrow spinal canal. A total of 25 patients who underwent ipsilateral decompression surgery via a contralateral approach with microscope and tubular retractor system, performed by one surgeon at a single center were retrospectively examined. The width of the lamina fenestration was compared with the preoperative distance from the root of the spinous process to the dorsal articular facet, the bilateral articular facet change in the suprapedicle notch section on CT scan, and with the changes in transverse and sagittal diameters of the canal area on MRI. Clinical efficacy was assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. In total, 25 patients were treated and the mean intraoperative time was 82.04 ± 12.48 min. There was no nerve injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and infection complications. The postoperative CT revealed that the width of the contralateral laminar fenestration was less than the distance from the root of the spinous process to the dorsal articular facet. The residual widths of the ipsilateral articular facet and contralateral articular facet were greater than 2/3 of the preoperative articular facet width. The transverse and sagittal diameter of canal were significantly increased. The mean follow-up period was 12-16 months, and no recurrence or reoperation incidence were found at the last follow-up. When compared to pre-surgery, the ODI, VAS, and JOA scores were significantly improved after surgery (p < 0.05). Based on our single-center retrospective observation of 25 cases and combined with previous literature, the contralateral approach with a microscope and tubular retractor system for ipsilateral decompression in patients with lumbar lateral recess stenosis and a narrow spinal canal can reduce damage to the articular processes, and probably more conducive to the postoperative stability of the lumbar spine. This was a single center retrospective analysis with a small sample size and lacked randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, larger-scale, multicenter RTCs are required for additional validation.

Outcomes of Concomitant Maze Procedure in Tricuspid Repair for Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

We aimed to analyze the impact of concomitant Maze procedure on the clinical and rhythm outcomes, and echocardiographic parameters in tricuspid repair for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients who had severe TR and persistent AF and underwent tricuspid valve (TV) repair were included in the study. Both primary TR and secondary TR were included in the current study. The study population was stratified according to Maze procedure. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) at 15 years post-surgery. Propensity-score matching analyses was performed to adjust baseline differences. Three hundred seventy-one patients who underwent tricuspid repair for severe TR and persistent AF from 1994 to 2021 were included, and 198 patients (53.4%) underwent concomitant Maze procedure. The maze group showed 10-year sinus rhythm (SR) restoration rate of 55%. In the matched cohort, the maze group showed a lower cumulative incidence of cardiac death (4.6% vs. 14.4%, P = 0.131), readmission for heart failure (8.1% vs. 22.2%, P = 0.073), and MACCE (21.1% vs. 42.1%, P = 0.029) at 15 years compared to the non-maze group. Left atrial (LA) diameter significantly decreased in the maze group at 5 years (53.3 vs. 59.6 mm, P < 0.001) after surgery compared to preoperative level, and there was a significant difference in the change of LA diameter over time between the two groups (P = 0.013). The Maze procedure during TV repair in patients with severe TR and persistent AF showed acceptable SR rates and lower MACCE rates compared to those without the procedure, while also promoting LA reverse remodeling.

Optic sheath diameter and microstructural changes of the optic nerve in idiopathic intracranial hypertension Optic nerve DTI changes in IIH

Abstract Objective: We aim to investigate whether increased perioptic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure causes changes in the optic sheath diameter and microstructure of the optic nerve in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). We also aim to investigate the relationship between optic sheath diameter and the optic nerve microstructural changes. Methods: Our retrospective study is a neuroimaging study of CSF opening pressure-confirmed IIH cases and controls, including 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor brain imaging. Optic sheath diameters were measured from axial T2-weighted images. The optic nerve was evaluated by range of interest (ROI) with diffusion tensor imagine (DTI) and compared with the healthy control. DTI findings were correlated with optic sheath diameters. Results: The ADC and RD values obtained from the left optic nerve were significantly increased compared to the healthy group. The FA values obtained from the right and left optic nerves were decreased considerably compared to the healthy group. We found that perioptic CSF distance increased in cases with IIH and there was a negative correlation between CSF distance and both optic nerve AD values. Conclusion: Patients with IIH have significant DTI changes in the optic nerve microstructure, which is related to the optical sheath diameter. It may be possible to detect optic nerve damage early with microstructural changes before permanent vision loss develops and to monitor nerve damage with DTI parameters. Early recognition of optic nerve damage due to intracranial high pressure with DTI parameters is important in preventing permanent vision loss.

Clinical outcomes and aortic remodeling after Castor single-branched stent-graft implantation for type B aortic dissections involving left subclavian artery.

The left subclavian artery (LSA) can be intentionally covered by a stent graft to acquire adequate landing zones for a proximal entry tear near the LSA during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The Castor single-branched stent graft is designed to treat type B aortic dissection (TBAD) to retain the LSA during TEVAR. This study investigates clinical outcomes, aortic remodeling, and abdominal aortic perfusion patterns after TEVAR with the novel Castor device. From November 2020 to June 2023, 29 patients with TBAD involving the LSA were treated with the Castor single-branched stent graft. In-hospital clinical outcome and aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) data were analyzed. CTA was performed preoperatively and at follow-up to observe stent morphology; branch patency; endoleak; change in true lumen (TL), false lumen (FL), and transaortic diameters; and abdominal aortic branch perfusion pattern. The technical success rate was 96.6%. One failure was that the branch section did not completely enter the LSA and the main body migrated distally. No in-hospital mortality, paraplegia, or stroke occurred. During follow-up, one type Ib endoleak, four distal new entry tears, and one recurrent type A dissection arose from a new entry tear at the ascending aorta, no stent migration was observed, and the branch patency rate was 100%. At the thoracic aorta, TL diameters significantly increased, FL diameters markedly decreased, and FL was partially or completely thrombosed in most patients at follow-up. At the abdominal aorta, we observed 33.3% of TL growth and 66.7% of TL stabilization or shrinkage. The initial TL ratio at iliac bifurcation negatively predicted abdominal TL growth after TEVAR with a cutoff of 21.0%. Of the 102 abdominal aortic branches, 94.1% of the branches showed no change in perfusion pattern, 3.9% of the branches had an increased TL perfusion, and 2.0% of the branches had an increased FL contribution. The Castor unibody single-branched stent graft offers an efficient endovascular treatment for TBAD involving the LSA. TEVAR with the Castor device effectively induced thoracic FL thrombosis and thoracic TL enlargement and resulted in abdominal TL growth when the initial TL ratio at iliac bifurcation is less than 21.0%. Abdominal aortic branch perfusion patterns remain relatively stable after TEVAR with the Castor stent graft.

Thermoresponsive hollow polymeric shell nano/microparticles with interconnected nanoholes

AbstractPNIPAAm‐grafted thermoresponsive hollow nano‐holed polymeric‐shell (HHPS) particles were fabricated from surface‐modified colloidal silica (CS) with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether‐3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate (PEGME‐IPTES) and 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (MPS) as templates. The polymeric shells were then synthesized through a “grafting‐through” approach via surface‐initiated polymerization of N‐isopropyl acrylamide (PNIPAAm) using potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator, followed by the etching of CS with hydrofluoric acid to remove the CS core templates. CS nanoparticles and PEGME‐IPTES were presynthesized using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and distilled water in methanol with ammonia solution as a catalyst by the sol–gel method and using 3‐(triethoxysilyl) propyl isocyanate (IPTES) with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (PEGME) in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate. The chemical structures of bare and modified CS, PNIPAAm, PNIPAAm‐CS, and HHPS particles were characterized by FT‐IR and NMR spectroscopies. SEM and TEM images confirmed that the resulting HHPS particles had a significant number of interconnected nanoholes. To evaluate the LCST behaviors of HHPS particles, the transition of transmittance and the changes in particle diameter according to the temperature change were measured through UV‐vis spectroscopy, DLS, and microscopy.

The Comparative Effects of Monotherapy with Topical Minoxidil, Oral Finasteride, and Topical Finasteride in Postmenopausal Women with Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are long-standing androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatments; topical finasteride is a more recent medicine. Few studies have compared their therapeutic effects in postmenopausal women. We compared the therapeutic impact of topical finasteride (1–4 sprays of 0.25% topical finasteride solution daily for 12 months), oral finasteride (2.5 mg oral finasteride once daily for 12 months), and topical minoxidil (1 mL of topical minoxidil 5% twice daily for 12 months) in postmenopausal women with AGA. Methods: We conducted Bayesian network meta-analyses of individual patient-level data insofar as four clinically relevant endpoints, namely, 12-month change in (1) total hair density, (2) hair diameter, (3) clinical photographs, and (4) patients’ opinion of efficacy. Data were obtained through medical charts. Regimens’ surface under the cumulative ranking distribution (SUCRA) values and relative effects – as per odds ratios – were computed. Results: As per SUCRA, the most and least effective regimens – across the four outcomes – were oral finasteride, and topical finasteride, respectively; however, no significant statistical differences were found (i.e., p > 0.05). Conclusion: Oral finasteride is ranked more effective than the topical forms of minoxidil and finasteride; however, more studies are needed to confirm this result.

Role of Diuretic Renography and Ultrasonography in Pelvic Ureteric Junction Obstruction among Infants: A Prospective Interventional Study

Introduction: Renography is a non invasive technique routinely used by clinicians to provide information about kidney structure and function. However, its role in the diagnosis of renovascular disease (especially in patients with renal insufficiency), the exclusion of obstruction, and during the follow-up of patients undergoing pyeloplasty is still controversial. Aim: To study the changes in Anteroposterior Pelvic Diameter (APD), cortical thickness, split renal function and T½ post pyeloplasty at three months and to determine the usefulness of these parameters in assessing successful pyeloplasty for Pelvic Ureteric Junction Obstruction (PUJO). Materials and Methods: This prospective non randomised interventional study was conducted in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India and Department of Paediatrics, JIPMER, Karaikal, Puducherry, India, from July 2020 to July 2021. A total of 31 infants with persistent postnatal Hydronephrosis (HDN) on Ultrasonography (USG) with no vesicoureteral reflux were included in the study and underwent 99mTc EC renography. The diagnosis of obstruction was determined by visual interpretation, renogram curves, Time to peak (Tmax), and Time from Tmax to T½max parameters. Patients with obstructed patterns in 99mTc EC renography underwent Anderson Hyne’s dismembered pyeloplasty. After three months of surgery, 99mTc EC renography and USG were performed on all enrolled patients. The Chi-square test was used for the comparison of the difference in proportion, and the Student’s t-test was used for the comparison of the mean difference, between two groups. Results: The mean age of enrolled infants was 5.79±3.36 months with a male preponderance (27 males and 4 females). Out of 31 infants, 23 (74%) showed an obstructive pattern of drainage on diuretic renogram and underwent Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty. The observed difference in the preoperative renal USG anteroposterior diameter (27.85±14.3 mm) and parenchymal thickness (9.6±3.3 mm) vs postoperative anteroposterior diameter (8±3.19 mm) and parenchymal thickness (15.5±4.19 mm) was statistically significant (p-value=0.001). The follow-up renogram scan conducted at three months showed a significant reduction in clearance half-time (T½). However, there was no statistically significant variation in split renal function at three months after pyeloplasty. Conclusion: Both 99mTc EC renography and USG indicate the likelihood of successful pyeloplasty, and in settings with limited resources, USG may be a viable substitute for early follow-up after pyeloplasty.

Needles carbon pool structure in pine stands growing on abandoned farmland in subtaiga/forest-steppe zone of Сentral Siberia

Studying green biomass carbon pool makes it possible to assess carbon sequestration potential of both forests stands and individual trees. Such a study is highly relevant considering the fact that pine stands are replacing abandoned farmlands in Central Siberia. The criterion used to differentiate pine forests was the stand density. Modelling the stands structure (in terms of number of trees and needles carbon pool) considering trees diameter, showed that the Gaussian function is the most adequate. The stands diameter structure differs from the needles carbon pool structure. Trees average for a specific stand sequester the most carbon by their needles. Thus, forest managers should focus on saving medium-sized pine trees. In recent year, there has been a gradually increasing global temperature, which influence both the growth rate and the structure of forest stands. As a result, an equation was obtained that consider the change in the average diameter, standard deviation and maximum temperature extremes.

Introduction to dynamic retinal vessel analyses

Retinal vessels possess the same structure and function as cerebral vessels and reflect the status of the central microcirculation. In the pre‐, post‐ and capillary areas, the behaviour of retinal vessels does influence blood flow and flow‐related metabolism through changes in arterial and venous diameter. In dynamic retinal vessel analysis, the function and structure of retinal vessels are subjected to a non‐invasive functional and structural examination over a period before, during and after a specific vascular stimulation. The use of several methodological modalities together with their relevant quantitative biomarkers represents a promising approach for the evaluation of ocular and systemic diseases of vascular origin as well as cerebro‐ or cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis has been employed in cross‐sectional and interventional clinical studies in ophthalmology and interdisciplinary in other branches of the medicine including cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, nephrology, diabetology, hypertensiology, gynaecology and others. The paper aims to give a brief overview in the technology and the methodology of dynamic retinal vessel analysis.

Comparison of the Efficiency and Safety of Photodynamic Therapy Combined Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Intravitreal Triamcinolone Treatments in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Objective: This study aims to retrospectively examine the mid and long-term results of the photodynamic therapy (PDT) +IVTA group and the PDT +IVB applied Group in the treatment of choroid neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to compare the results with the results of multicenter clinical studies. Materials and Methods: 64 eyes of 64 patients admitted to Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Retina unit between June 2003 and March 2009, diagnosed with CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration and treated, were included in the study. Thirty-five eyes with PDT +IVTA were classified as Group I, and 29 with PDT +IVTA were classified as Group II. Visual acuities of the cases were evaluated with ETDR and Snellen charts and converted to their equivalents on the Logarithm of Minimal Angle of Resolution (logMAR) scale. All patients underwent an ophthalmological examination before and after the treatment; fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed to see if there was any recurrence in the patients. Patients who were found to have relapsed were re-treated. Results: There were 26 (40.6%) female cases and 38 (59.4%) male cases. The ages ranged from 55 to 88, with a mean age of 73.85±7.26. The follow-up period of the patients ranged from 5 months to 69 months; the mean was 17.65±13.48 months. When evaluated according to FFA images, 40 (62.5%) were occult, 12 (18.8%) were minimal-classical, and 12 (18.8%) were dominant-classical. After treatment, visual acuity decreased in 20% of the PDT +IVTA group and increased or remained the same in 80%. In the PDT +IVB group, blurred vision decreased by 27.6% and increased or remained the same by 72.4%. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the change in visual acuity after treatment compared to before treatment (p&gt;0.05). In OCT, the decrease in the mean central foveal thickness (CFT) after treatment compared to the mean CFT before treatment in Group I was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). In Group II - the decrease in the mean CFT after treatment compared to the mean CFT before treatment was statistically significant (p&lt;0.01). In Group I, there was no statistically significant change in the mean lesion diameter after treatment compared to the mean lesion diameter before treatment (p&gt;0.05). However, the decrease in Group II was statistically significant (p&lt;0.01). While the increase in CFT (central foveal thickness) and lesion diameter was more pronounced in the PDT+IVTA group post-treatment compared to the pre-treatment group, no significant difference was observed in visual acuity change within the PDT+IVTA group. Conclusion: In the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration, the combination of Triamcinolone or Bevacizumab with photodynamic therapy has proven to be both effective and safe. This approach helps preserve the current vision and even enhance visual outcomes. Combination therapy reduces the frequency and number of monotherapies used to achieve visual success.

Root overlap and allocation of above- and belowground growth of European beech in pure and mixed stands of Douglas fir and Norway spruce

Site conditions and species identity have a combined effect on fine root growth of trees in pure and mixed stands. However, mechanisms that may contribute to this effect are rarely studied, even though they are essential to assess the potential of species to cope with climate change. This study examined fine root overlap and the linkage between fine root and stem growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) growing in pure and mixed stands with Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) or Norway spruce (Picea abies) at two different study sites in northwestern Germany.The study sites represented substantially different soil and climate conditions. At each site, three stands, and at each stand, three pairs of trees were studied. In the pure beech stand, the pairs consisted of two beech trees, while in the mixed stands each pair was composed of a beech tree and a conifer. Between each pair, three evenly spaced soil cores were taken monthly throughout the growing season. In the pure beech stands, microsatellite markers were used to assign the fine roots to individual trees. Changes in stem diameter of beech were quantified and then upscaled to aboveground wood productivity with automatic high-resolution circumference dendrometers.We found that fine root overlap between neighboring trees varied independently of the distance between the paired trees or the stand types (pure versus mixed stands), indicating that there was no territorial competition. Aboveground wood productivity (wood NPP) and fine root productivity (root NPP) showed similar unimodal seasonal patterns, peaking in June. However, this pattern was more distinct for root NPP, and root NPP started earlier and lasted longer than wood NPP. The influence of site conditions on the variation in wood and root NPP of beech was stronger than that of stand type. Wood NPP was, as expected, higher at the richer site than at the poorer site. In contrast, root NPP was higher at the poorer than at the richer site.We concluded that beech can respond to limited resources not only above- but also belowground and that the negative relationship between above- and belowground growth across the study sites suggests an ‘optimal partitioning’ of growth under stress.

Application of the switchSENSE® technology for real-time study of pesticides interaction with biological molecules

Organochlorine pesticides have been extensively utilized in agriculture and pest control, and still contributing to numerous health issues. However, the mechanism underlying the transportation of these compounds through animal and human body is not well understood. The switchSENSE® technology is an original and powerful tool in biosensing, which demonstrates high sensitivity in detecting a variety of biological interaction which involves proteins, nucleic acids and small molecules. There has been a growing interest in using switchSENSE® technology for detecting interactions between proteins and environmental pollutants in recent years. Therefore, the aim of this study is to refine and enhance the methodology of the switchSENSE® technology to facilitate characterization of real time interaction between biological transport molecule, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and organochlorine pesticides. Using this technology, we noticed the conformational change in structure and protein hydrodynamic diameter (DH) of BSA in response to Chlordecone (CLD) and Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). We also identified the possible obstacles, that should be resolved in future researches.